SW Detroit Residents Struggle a Year After Catastrophic Water Main Break

Unresolved damage claims and deteriorating home foundations persist despite city's response efforts

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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One year after a catastrophic 54-inch water main break flooded neighborhoods in Southwest Detroit with up to four feet of water, some residents say they're still struggling with unresolved damage claims and deteriorating home foundations, while city officials maintain they've fulfilled their promises to the community.

Why it matters

The water main break forced roughly 150 families to evacuate their homes, prompting dramatic rescues. The incident has highlighted the challenges of maintaining aging water infrastructure in Detroit, a city built for a much larger population.

The details

Residents like Carmen Vega report significant gaps between assessed damage and compensation received, with Vega's claim payout of only $30,400 compared to a $177,000 assessment. Local plumber and advocate Jimmy Rios says many families faced challenges with the claims process, with files being lost and residents having to start over. City officials defend their response, stating they've processed hundreds of claims, held on-site meetings, and offered translation services.

  • The water main break occurred on February 17, 2025.
  • One year later, on February 17, 2026, some residents are still struggling with unresolved damage claims and deteriorating home foundations.

The players

Carmen Vega

A resident whose home was among those damaged, and who is now using clamps to hold her house's foundation together.

Jimmy Rios

A local plumber who became an advocate for affected residents, reporting that many families faced challenges with the claims process.

Sam Smalley

Deputy Director of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, who maintains the agencies have fulfilled their pledge to repair damage and split uninsured losses.

Pete Fromm

Director of Water Transmission at the Great Lakes Water Authority, who revealed the authority manages approximately 400 miles of pre-stressed concrete cylinder pipes throughout their system.

Marissa Sura

Public relations and social media advisor for Mackinaw Administrators, the third-party administrator that managed the claims process.

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What they’re saying

“A contractor assessed the damage at $177,000. The claim payout was only $30,400.”

— Carmen Vega (clickondetroit.com)

“Files were lost, people had to start over again. A lot of folks started to feel really worn down by the process. Some decided to just take what they were offering, while others are still advocating for themselves to this day.”

— Jimmy Rios, local plumber and advocate (clickondetroit.com)

“While everyone may not be happy, it was still, I think, an extraordinary response to an extraordinary event.”

— Sam Smalley, Deputy Director of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (clickondetroit.com)

“There are less than a handful of claims awaiting response from the claimants, which Mackinaw is monitoring and responding to claimant inquiries.”

— Marissa Sura, public relations and social media advisor for Mackinaw Administrators (clickondetroit.com)

What’s next

The Great Lakes Water Authority plans to enhance its Linear Asset Integrity Program, focusing on both pre-stressed concrete cylinder pipes and steel mains throughout their system. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department has also implemented a comprehensive asset management program that conducts neighborhood-by-neighborhood inspections, assessments, and rehabilitation of assets.

The takeaway

The water main break incident has highlighted the ongoing challenges of maintaining aging water infrastructure in Detroit, a city built for a much larger population. While city officials claim they've fulfilled their promises, some residents continue to struggle with unresolved damage claims and deteriorating home foundations, underscoring the need for more comprehensive and equitable solutions.